Duchess Meghan hired an American PR firm & the royal courtiers are salty about it

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the US Open Tennis

Sometimes I read some of the British coverage of the Duchess of Sussex and I just feel sick to my stomach, to the point where I want to just flat-out refuse to even discuss how nasty people are being to Meghan, and all because she’s just existing and living her life. They are even nastier to her when she actually tries to do some good – that’s when the wall-to-wall smearing starts up. And now that Meghan’s maternity leave is coming to an end and she begins to put together her fall and winter schedule, of course the British press is gleeful because now they get to push about twenty negative narratives all at once. Here are some highlights from Dan Wooten’s piece at the Sun, which seems like ground-zero for the latest conversation about Meghan, which is that she’s “too Hollywood” for the royal family and she’s seeking advice from people beyond the crusty old royal courtiers (the same courtiers who have gleefully thrown her under the bus for a year).

The Sussexes hired an American PR firm? Staff were shocked by my story on Tuesday that Meghan had hired controversial US crisis manage­ment PR firm Sunshine Sachs, which once represented Harvey Wein­stein and Michael Jackson, behind the backs of Palace staff to try to change her image. Since then, I’ve learned Meghan has shelled out at least £6,000 of her own money for the advice from the company’s chief Shawn Sachs and her friend Keleigh Thomas Morgan, who repped her when she was an actress on TV drama Suits. On Tuesday, the American firm was put to work publicly for the first time as it managed Prince Harry’s launch for the Sussex Royal Foundation in Amsterdam.

Hollywood power-brokers working with Meghan: Yesterday I revealed a trio of Hollywood power­brokers — attorney Rick Genow, business manager Andrew Meyer and talent agent Nick Collins — are actively involved in Meghan’s future work projects… According to sources, the Sussexes have discussed a future that could mean spending a significant time in California, where Meghan was born and raised. But first Meghan has decided to surround herself with a tight-knit group of non-royal advis­ers she considers “her people”.

She wanted to break the internet? A senior royal source said: “Meghan is creating a team that is not bogged down by the traditions and regul­ations of the Palace to work for her and Harry on passion projects. She had been seeking advice from the PR company Sunshine Sachs privately for weeks but decided to officially hire them for the launch of her Vogue Magazine guest edit. Even thought it was the UK version of the mag, she wanted maximum coverage in America, which is the country she really cares about in terms of the media. She was incredibly hands-on with the strategy and in one meeting told the staff: ‘I want to break the internet.’ It was an honest thing to say but still quite shocking for a royal to express it that way. It made her sound like a celebrity wanting to publicise a new album or movie. I mean, in reality she is a celebrity. She’s very familiar with magazines and social media and PR — she prides herself in the knowledge she has.”

[From The Sun]

And on and on – royal courtiers are gleefully fussing with the idea that Meghan and Harry could move to LA, which I really don’t think will happen. I think those same royal courtiers are pushing the “they could move to LA” story to piss off British people and put an even bigger bullseye on Meghan’s back. This has been the belief among so many in the British upper-crust and the British media: that if they bully and smear Meghan hard enough, she’ll just walk away and go back to America. And then they’ll smear her for that too.

Honestly, as I read this piece (and other pieces with similar information), I developed a theory about what actually happened: as Meghan and Harry have been pulling together their separate Sussex Royal Foundation, they did the same as the Prince of Wales has done for the Prince’s Trust, which is create an American arm and hire an American PR firm to help fundraise in America and help fluff the royal image in the American press. And yes, I think in Meghan’s case, she’s probably learned that the royal courtiers are not helping her and are, in fact, largely working against her. So of course she’s seeking outside help and of course she went to people she knows and trusts, Hollywood people. So all of that came together and got twisted around to “Meghan is a Hollywood diva and she won’t listen to anyone in the palace!”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the US Open Tennis

Meghan Markle watching Serena Williams Vs Bianca Andreescu at the 2019 US Open

Photos courtesy of Backgrid.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

152 Responses to “Duchess Meghan hired an American PR firm & the royal courtiers are salty about it”

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. Samantha says:

    Of course they’re salty about it. It’s the BRITISH royal family. You don’t cling to your former ambitions of being a Hollywood A-lister, something she was never going to be. You become a Brtitish royal. And you do not hire the PR firm that protected Harvey Weinstein and paid off his victims to keep quiet and then scream female empowerment at the same time. She doesn’t put a single foot right anywhere, of course they’re not happy with her. What did she expect? She should have known what she was signing up for.

    • Mignionette says:

      You do realise that this same PR Firm has also worked for other high profile organisations including charities. They are well established in the US.

      By your logic no one should use any of the Big-4 Accounting Firms or any Wall Street white shoe firms, also because of their links to unscrupulous figures at one time or another,

      • Megan says:

        This entire article reads like fan fiction. There is no way Sunshine Sachs would leak anything about their deal with the Sussexes. The RRs are once again shut out and they are just making up crap.

    • Sarah says:

      That’s such a silly perspective. I think she’s wise to take things into her own hands, and I can’t for the life of me think why those British papers don’t want her to do all this fantastic work.

    • Becks1 says:

      Oh. It’s going to be that kind of Monday.

    • Peg says:

      It’s the British Royal Family of course, throw in a little racism, adultery, pedophile and being a former actress is something to sneer at.

      • Tpoe says:

        She’s not much of an actress and I don’t think she was ever going to make it big but you know what? At least actress is a real job. One that she had to work hard to earn and keep working hard to keep.

        I consider her a C-list actress at best (not being insulting just stating fact) and I have ten times more respect for her as a working professional than I do for all the kings, queens, dukes, duchesses, princesses and lords the UK has to offer.

        F’n royalty. Bunch of do nothings who have unearned wealth, power and privilege because one of their ancestors was good at killing his neighbours and taking his stuff for their own.

      • Peg says:

        Your are entitled to your opinion and others are entitled to theirs.
        Whether she was an A, B, C or D listed actress, she was earning a living.

      • Kebbie says:

        @Peg That’s the exact point Tpoe was making.

    • Bella DuPont says:

      @ Samantha

      Sorry to break it to you, but she’s far bigger than most Hollywood A-listers now……(that must pinch quite a bit, no?) lol

      In all seriousness, she has hardly put a foot wrong, save for one or two grossly exaggerated missteps here and there. The main problem is not that she’s done much wrong, it’s that she exists in that space at all….that is what really irks some people.

      If the sky didn’t fall when Charles hired an American PR firm, it won’t fall down now, no matter how loud the bleating gets. So let the sheep keep bleating.

      • Far bigger just in terms of popularity, although hers is the kind that nobody wants. Shame hey.

      • Bella DuPont says:

        If it’s the kind that nobody wants, then why are you people so damned salty about it? (Genuine question)

        But don’t let me interrupt the bleating though. Keep plugging away. 😉

      • Reese. says:

        Her problem is with the U.K., her people now. The people who support her, the people she now works for, the charities and causes she is supporting.
        Why for the love of god would you hire an American PR firm? She’s fine in America, it’s her image in her new home that she needs to work on.
        I’m a Meghan supporter and have a hard time understanding her need to concentrate on American support for fundraising organisations when she should be focusing building her brand in the UK.
        It’s silly to me. How is not focusing yourself on the countries and people that support your lifestyle going to help your image? Surely that would be PR 1.0, hire the best PR firm in London, to represent the Duchess of Sussex, not the Duchess of America.

      • Samantha says:

        @Bella DuPont How many proper royals have anything to do with Hollywood stars? Do you see the Scandinavian royals trying to be in with Hollywood? The rest of the British royal family, or the Japanese Imperial family? Nope. She’s supposed to rise above American showbiz PR nonsense but she isn’t capable of it. It’s all she knows and she refuses to learn. Clearly you don’t get it either, so you must be American yourself. She obviously isn’t living off your taxes trying to be some American starlet no one asked for.

      • Becks1 says:

        You realize Charles mingles with celebrities all the time, right, including Hollywood Stars?

      • Bella DuPont says:

        @ Reese

        Has it occurred to you that perhaps the Royal family as an institution, see her as a way of cementing their influence and relevance in the U.S? The royal family is a source of soft power/influence for the UK and no market will ever be as big as the American one.

        Furthermore, why is it wrong for her to have a U.S. focus when it was entirely ok for Charles? It’s the same old tactic of criticizing her just for the sake of criticizing her. Not much substance behind it, in my opinion.

        It’s also getting really, really old, I’m afraid.

      • @StarGreek says:

        @Reese.

        Us in UK have better things to do and worse things to worry about than which PR firm Meghan hired.

        I don’t give a flying fig, as a British taxpayer, about what Meghan does. If it was for me I would get rid of all the BRF.

        I worry about that babbling fool of PM we have at the moment, who is doing a lot more damage with his comments than Meghan could ever do in 4 lifetimes.

      • Meghan and Harry know that much of the money to support their charities is going to come from the US, which is why they have hired a US PR firm. The Prince of Wales knows that. I just went to the Chatsworth exhibition at Sotheby’s in New York. At the end of the exhibition, the Chatworth Trust lays it all out in terms of the money they need to do the projects at the estate. I would bet you most of the money for those projects is going to come from Americans. There is more interest in the British Royal Family in the US than there is interest in the Scandinavian Royals.

      • Reese. says:

        @stargeek
        You obviously do care a tremendous amount what Meghan does or you wouldn’t be posting all these opinions about it and the BRF, people who don’t care don’t have the time to point out the world how they don’t care?
        If nobody gave a shitte then who is filling the newspapers will absolute racist, vile, demeaning stories about her?

      • Bella DuPont says:

        @ Samantha

        I have to say, you sound exactly like your name-sake, Meghan’s long estranged, half sister. I realize that’s a fairly serious insult, given the fact that the woman is completely deranged and has been for many years. (So, I apologize)

        However, there’s a senseless bitterness over the most inconsequential moves she makes that’s just baffling. How does the Duchess hiring an American, Brazilian, Taiwanese or Chinese PR firm make even the slightest difference to you or anyone? Enough of a difference to leave so many incredibly bitter, frustrated comments?

        I honest to Christ don’t get it.

        P.S 1: Here’s the bitter truth no one wants to accept: The Royals are Celebrities too. You expect them to be above
        “rise above American showbiz PR nonsense”…..lol. How naive! Let me refer you to the Diana years, the early years with Kate stumbling out of various clubs, blind drunk, Charles selling Harry’s drug use to the press for his own good PR. They are no different, no matter how much you want them to be.

        P.S 2: I’m British, so yeah, I get a say, actually.

      • Reese. says:

        @bella
        What’s getting really old I’m afraid is the constant comparing of one Royals to one another. If Charles did this, if Kate did this. Each person is different, and each royal should be dealt with as such.
        I’m focused on the rubbish that is being thrown at Meghan in the UK, the same UK which supports her. It’s a symbiotic relationship that can’t be ignored.
        I don’t give a shitte about her reputation in America, I do care about the constant rubbish and vile racist reporting that is constant in the UK media.
        So why the eff are you hiring a non UK PR firm to handle your image? They need to focus on shutting down the bullshit where she lives, not empowering her around the world. Or is that too boring for you to understand?

      • Bella DuPont says:

        @ Reese

        Although your points ARE pretty boring (apologies), thankfully they’re simplistic and not too difficult to understand, so don’t worry.

        I guess I missed the part where it says the American PR firm would be looking after their image globally. I just assumed this firm would be looking after their image for the American market, but you probably know better than me.

        PS: just because you personally don’t give a shit about her reputation in America doesn’t mean she has to feel the same way. Especially given the fact that she is…..you know…..American.

      • (TheOG)@Jan90067 says:

        @Samatha, there have been “Hollywood Stars” surround royalty all the time, “schmoozing and mingling”. Here are two articles about TQ and Hollywood:

        https://considerable.com/hollywood-stars-line-up-to-meet-queen/

        https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Queen-Elizabeth-Celebrities-45793109

        And let’s not forget her sister, Margaret, who partied with ALL the biggies in the 60s and 70s, Charles, who surrounds himself with celebrity at parties, etc.

        There has always been a connection.

      • Jane'sWastedTalent says:

        ‘What’s getting really old I’m afraid is the constant comparing of one Royals to one another. If Charles did this, if Kate did this. Each person is different, and each royal should be dealt with as such.’

        So basically you’re announcing that you have a bias and will not be deterred by facts.

      • Bella DuPont says:

        @ Janes wasted talent

        Thank you for putting that so perfectly.

      • Nahema says:

        @StarGreek is right, the average British person doesn’t care about Meghan or any of the royals for that matter, unless there is some big event going on.

        It seems as though America is the biggest consumer of Royal related gossip and the British press are simply using lots of propaganda to suit their own agenda. The views of the press are not the views of the people, except for a racist minority who gravitate towards them.

        The reason I follow the royals is that I was a former employee, which I believe is probably also the case for StarGreek

      • Lina says:

        “It seems as though America is the biggest consumer of Royal related gossip”

        Nah, no one in america cares either, beyond noting how racist the British tabloid press and public are.

      • Reese. says:

        @bella
        Last time I checked she’s not an American duchess now is she?
        She chose to devote her life to the duties of those countries who support her, that was her choice. She should choose to care how the people who pay her way feel about her. Not maximize her presence in America. She gave up being an American when she chose this life. She also gave up being a celebrity when she chose to devote her life to the duties of being a princess of the UK.

      • Jaded says:

        @Samantha…let me share with you a piece from several news outlets you seem to have overlooked in your efforts to make The Sussexes look like criminals:

        “We [Sunshine Sachs] worked for the Jackson family regarding the funeral and for the Weinstein Company, but severed ties upon learning of the allegations.”

        Moreover, Sunshine Sachs has represented Markle in the past when she was an actress on the TV drama “Suits,” so she’s had a long-standing relationship with them and trusts them.

        While the company “is not advising the Duchess personally,” the representative told us they were retained by the Sussexes to help with the Travalyst launch after initially helping with the publicity surrounding Meghan Markle’s guest editorship of the September edition of British Vogue.

        They never once “threatened and silenced Weinstein’s victims”. As much as you may wish it to be true you are making up unsubstantiated fantasies that reflect your own warped opinion of the subject.

      • Reese says:

        @jane
        Clearly it’s to difficult a task to see each member of the BRF objectively in what they are being judge for at that moment.
        It’s a lazy argument to compare and accept behaviour because somebody else in the BRF did it.
        Well Charles had an American PR firm so it’s ok for Meghan? Actually no it’s not. The optics are shitte for her at moment to do something like what.
        Bias and facts? That’s laughable. I’m talking about making each individual person accountable for their actions and not making excuses by comparing them to others.
        What’s that American saying? Nice try with your fake news.

      • Hope says:

        Reese. Anyone who gives the other royals a pass but criticises Meghan is a hypocrite. Plain and simple.

        And Charles gaslighted and cheated on his teenaged bride and married his mistress. Those were his optics. Meghan has been nothing but an asset to this family. The racist press is not going to control her. They are on the losing side of history so think about how much energy you want to invest in this.

    • RedRoyal says:

      They worked with her before (pre-Harry).

    • BeyondTheFringe says:

      By your reckoning, perhaps Meghan should be taking her PR cues from the very British-ly Royal Prince Andrew?

    • Carla says:

      @Samantha
      Are you Samantha Markle? You sound so pressed.

    • @StarGreek says:

      Did you mean the same Royal Family who could, and can, tolerate one of their members being part of a pedo-ring?

      Ah, that one, I see.
      #neverforget

    • Himmiefan says:

      Samantha,

      She doesn’t put a single foot right anywhere? Give us examples, please.

      Of course, there will be no response. There never is with the I-hate-Meghan (paid?) trolls.

    • Valiantly Varnished says:

      Samantha I only see you on this site when there’s a story about Meghan. Do you have a Google alert set for your trolling purposes??

    • Madelaine says:

      Samantha Markle Grant, is that you?

    • Olenna says:

      @Samantha,
      Interesting that you have no comments for us to debate or ponder on the Pedo Andy and Wondering Willie threads. Neither one of them seem “put a single foot right anywhere” lately, so surely you’d have an opinion on their failures to act like “proper royals”.

    • BeanieBean says:

      She’s not ‘screaming’ anything. And how should she have known what she was getting into? Would you have?

    • Izzy says:

      Nice of you to post under your real name. I guess it’s harder to stalk your sister in person now?

    • Shannon says:

      Samantha, I’m just surprised you’re using your real name here. Rookie trolling move.

    • Tigerlily says:

      Samantha…..Yikes! What on earth did Meghan do to YOU?

  2. Gil says:

    People who abuse you are always salty when you leave them. Good move for her. Now the British press is gonna talk about how Meghan is spending her money elsewhere and not in England, I can see it coming.

    • @StarGreek says:

      Mainly to distract from the fact that all Tory MPs have moved their money abroad as well in the no-deal preparations.

      • (TheOG)@Jan90067 says:

        Let’s not forget Lizzie was involved in the Panama Papers as well. The rich will ALWAYS keep the bulk of their fortunes protected off-shore and in tax havens.

    • grumpy says:

      Jesus wept, is it that hard to get the country right. Its the U.K., or Great Britain if she’s not nipping over to Belfast to spend her money.

    • Woppies says:

      >> People who abuse you are always salty when you leave them.

      This ++++

  3. Mignionette says:

    Lol – let them be salty. ‘The men in grey suits’ have consistently showed themselves not to be trusted and leak key information to Royal Reporters who sabotage projects before their inception.

    They have no real interest in supporting the growth of the Sussex’s foundation so keeping them at arms length makes sense. Further keeping them away also keeps William away via Proxy.

    These two are navigating a den of Snakes. I wish them both well,

    • Erinn says:

      I literally couldn’t give any sh-ts on what country the company is based in.

      But if this company represented MJ and Wein­stein, it sounds like they’re not great at their job hahaha. Because let’s not pretend that there’s VASTLY more negative information out their about MJ and Wein­stein than there ever could be positive information.

      That’s my only shade in this matter.

      • Samantha says:

        They also represent Leonardo DiCaprio. And they can’t seem to get ahead of people taking him on for his climate change hypocrisy, and not to mention that 21/22 year old ‘girlfriend’ of his that no one takes seriously. But truly, what sort of woman chooses a PR company that has threatened and silenced Weinstein’s victims? They’ve been involved in lots of shady stuff. They also represent the Jonas Brothers I think, with that Priyanka fake marriage joke. Also Karlie Kloss. I don’t think they’re as seamless as they think they are. Much of their PR stunts are pretty transparent.

      • Carla says:

        They also worked with Natalie Portman and other celebrities.

      • Jaded says:

        @Samantha – stop insinuating that they “threatened and silenced Weinstein’s victims”. They SEVERED TIES with him as soon as all the awful truth of him started being made public. What has Leonardo’s girlfriend have to do with it? They have been involved in nothing “shady”. Why on earth would make you make false allegations about a celebrity marriage? It’s really not fake honey. Do you personally know these people? Have you worked with this company? Do you have inside knowledge about these stars that we/they don’t?

        Stop with this nonsense, go back to commenting on the Daily Fail.

    • Bella DuPont says:

      @ Erinn

      I’m not sure how realistic it is, to expect to find many PR companies who have never had problematic clients…..I’m no pr expert, but it seems to me that handling “issues” for public personalities is a core function of their role.

      My guess would be that you could probably dig up “bad clients” or “scandalous conduct” by some client or the other with any PR agency.

      • Erinn says:

        Oh probably. I’m just saying those are some of the most negative stories out there. And it’s not like they managed to rebrand them well or anything. I’d assume all firms have varying levels of problematic clients, but I think I’d be looking for one who’s either managed to do a big PR turnaround for someone, or something.

    • Himmiefan says:

      The Grey Men are anxious because H&M have hired people who are better at this than the Palace.

      Also, why has this turned into Meghan being the only one to do the hiring?

    • Moneypenny says:

      I agree. Let’s face it–the BRF is made up of people of middling intelligence. The grey men got used to dealing with dimwits and are pissed to have to deal with a smart woman.

  4. IlsaLund says:

    On the one hand you have the Sussexes who are simply trying to carry out their royal duties and responsibilities and yet they’re treated as if they’ll be the downfall of the British monarchy. And on the other hand you have a”blood” prince who was an associate/ friend of a convicted sex criminal and who himself has been accused of pedophilia….and that has no impact on the British monarchy? The gaslighting is unreal.

    Harry and Meghan need to continue living their best lives and ignoring the tabloid’s derangement.

    • Pineapple says:

      @IlsaLund … I totally agree. I mean, if they can’t do ANYTHING right …. might as well do what they want. It is freeing actually. Nothing says “decide for yourself” like a press that practically ignores pedophilia and sex slavery but yammers on and on about anything Harry and Meghan do.

  5. OriginalLala says:

    I didn’t know that it was common for royals to hire US PR firms, interesting that Charles did it and I guess no one batted an eye?

    I wonder why they went with a firm known to be a crisis-management firm though? the Weinstein and MJ connection isn’t great, I wouldn’t want to hire people who represented abusers of women and children.

  6. Meh. It’s no biggie, it’s pretty clear that they’re catering for their American audience so why not hire an American based firm that’ll better read the mood of their audience.

  7. aquarius64 says:

    I don’t blame Meghan and Harry for going outside. The courtiers are the same idiots that advised Andrew about the Epstein mess, chubby fingers and all. The press is mad they have no staff snitches from Frogmore, and the Markles have rendered themselves useless in that regard because of the stupidity. If the press think Meghan is going to leave Harry and abandon Archie it’s dumber than I believe.

    • bamaborn says:

      This!!, Aquarius 64.

    • I don’t blame them either…in fact, I think it’s a smart move. As many times and as much as they get slammed in the British media – maybe it’s a loss of trust that impeded the hiring of a U.S. PR firm? And…are there firms in Britain that would work for the Sussexes – I mean as far as possibly losing other work, being as the RF and the RR are treating her so shabby?I
      Anyway, I adore the Duchess of Sussex and deplore the treatment of her.

  8. Peg says:

    Watching Dan Wooten talk about the Duchess, would be funny if it was not so sad, to see his bitterness coming through.
    Oh the poor Courtiers, who will take a bribe from anyone, cannot be making much money nowadays.
    Did Buck Palace not say the PR firm was for the Foundation?

  9. Becks1 says:

    I mean, wouldn’t most of us do this? Hire a firm with a well known reputation that you have worked with before, especially if you can’t trust the people around you?

    And again – people keep acting like Meghan is just calling all the shots here. I’m sure she is in charge of a lot of these decisions, but Harry is also involved and I’m also sure that BP and/or Charles are signing off as well.

    • BlueSky says:

      This. But they have to push the “pushy black woman” narrative in order to get clicks.

      The royal courtiers are not just working against her but against Harry as well. I don’t blame them one bit for doing this.

      I love how they are acting as if the BRF never rubbed elbows with celebs before.

      • BlueSky says:

        @marina it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if she identifies herself as biracial. The British press just sees her as a black woman who they feel does not belong there and they will do everything in their power to bully her.
        She can’t do anything right in their eyes because they feel she doesn’t belong. I’m familiar with all the code words that are used against black women and this story is no exception. The bar is set so high for her that even when she’s doing good work they will crawl up her a**

      • BlueSky says:

        I see the comment I was responding to was removed. Good.

  10. Seraphina says:

    Nothing Maghan does it will ever do will be viewed in a positive light. EVER.

    • Tigerlily says:

      Seraphina….it seems that way doesn’t it? It infuriates me and saddens me. All the while Randy Andy seems to get a pass with royal reporters and all the trolls on DM. Makes me sick and also makes me think a lot less of the Queen even if Andrew is her son.

  11. Mignionette says:

    Also on some level, the RF know that maintaining their relevance in the coming years will become increasingly hard. The last 5 years in the UK have shown the dire need for constitutional reform, to preserve out pillars of democracy.

    The romanticised ideal of no formal written constitution in an era of increasing rights is a dying ideal. The reality is that the Magna Carta, Bill of Rights and relying on the convention of referring to a splattering of documents here and there will no longer cut it.

    The RF have to know that they’re operating on borrowed time and in response the PR strategy has to change. Broadening the reach of the RF is part of that to ensure survival. Also, if BP did not want Harry/Meg to hire a US Firm it would not have happened as BP essentially opens up the cheque book.

    These stories are just ways of rubbishing any US association the UK feel maybe stealing their thunder, scoops and resultingly their ability to monetise this couple,

  12. Sophie says:

    I don’t think working with American PR firms is a problem for PR for the American branch of the Foundation. But I do hope that this is not the PR firm that bullied and stalked Harvey‘s victims so that they stay quiet. Working with them as a self-declared feminist would be …. well as tone -deaf as flying private jets as self-declared advocacy champion against climate change (telling your followers that every little step counts) or maybe worse the more I think about it

    • MariaS says:

      Oh, you’re hoping, are you? Because you could, and I’m just spit balling here, try GOOGLING it, and you’d learn that this firm cut ties with him immediately. But nice try demonizing it and her with your innocent “hoping.”

      • Sophie says:

        Well thanks Maria’s for your lovely answer. I did google following your kind advice and I found a) that Weinstein’s behaviors was known in the business before allegations became public and b) that Sunshine Sachs was mentioned by those who were critical with Time‘s up like Rose McGowan. There are also some references to an Italian actress or model that Sunshine Sachs did a smear campaign about for Weinstein. But you are right the agency threatening and stalking was another one.

  13. Betsy says:

    I think hiring an outside PR firm is a great idea, but one that repped Weinstein and Michael Jackson? I get that that’s who the article highlighted and not the totality of their clients, but ick.

    • BayTampaBay says:

      I am with you. I think hiring an American PR firm is a great idea but like you I have a big problem with the Weinstein connection.

      • Maria says:

        Yes. Hiring a firm which was connected to Weinstein is a bad choice. There must be lots of other equally good PR firms.

    • Jaded says:

      They dropped Weinstein as a client as soon as the abuse allegations became known. Their only involvement with Michael Jackson was surrounding his funeral arrangements. Meghan already had a connection with them from her acting days.

    • Tourmaline says:

      It reminds me that the attorney representing Virginia Giuffre (Prince Andrew accuser), David Boies, ALSO represented Weinstein and bullied Weinstein victims. It’s a messed up world.

      • Jaded says:

        Yup. “In 2017, Boies’ firm reportedly directed private intelligence company Black Cube to spy on alleged victims of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual abuse and on reporters who were investigating Weinstein’s actions. Over the course of a year, Weinstein had Black Cube and other agencies ““target,” or collect information on, dozens of individuals, and compile psychological profiles that sometimes focussed on their personal or sexual histories.” A few days later, The New York Times announced it had “terminated its relationship” with Boies’ firm.

        According to The Wall Street Journal, Boies negotiated Harvey Weinstein’s contract without saying to Weinstein Co. directors he had investment in the company’s movies.

        He’s as sleazy as it comes.

  14. Sarah says:

    Meh. We’re talking about the same courtiers who came up with the chubby fingers defense to explain away Pedo Prince’s arm around an underage teenager, right? I would not want to work with them either.

  15. Deanne says:

    Hiring an american PR firm in itself isn’t a problem. However hiring the PR firm that used PI’s to stalk, intimidate and abuse Harvey Weinstein’s victims isn’t exactly giving great optics if that’s in fact who they’ve hired. Meghan is being abused on a daily basis now. She’ s literally blamed for everything. As if Harry’s some hapless idiot being controlled by her. They clearly want a team that they can trust and they don’t have that with the Palace crowd. Andrew the pedo gets a pass but Meghan is vilified fo every move she makes.

    • BayTampaBay says:

      I do not think anyone is giving Andrew the pedo a pass. Dealing with Andrew is in the hands of law enforcement in the USA and UK. I read comments on many UK tabloid articles and no one is giving Andrew and a pass and very few are giving him any benefit of the doubt.

      • Deanne says:

        That’s good to know. Everyone involved with the abuse of those young women should be exposed and punished accordingly.

      • BayTampaBay says:

        @Deanne, it is ALL going to be completely exposed but I would not hold my breath for Andrew to be publicly (i.e. jail time) punished.

    • Jaded says:

      Sunshine Sachs severed ties with Weinstein once the abuse allegations went public. IN NO WAY did they “hire PI’s to stalk, intimidate and threaten Weinsteins’s victims”. He hired Kroll, which is one of the world’s largest corporate-intelligence companies, and Black Cube, an enterprise run largely by former officers of Mossad and other Israeli intelligence agencies. So many commenters have their tin foil hats on today it’s ridiculous.

    • MariaS says:

      Deanne, Please stop repeating this lie. It’s really disgusting.

  16. bamaborn says:

    Live your best life, Duchess. You’re d*mned if you do and d*mned if you don’t.

  17. Peg says:

    I didn’t know since the Dailyfail let Katie Hopkins go, that she can’t get a job in England 🤭 and she didn’t help herself with that 60 minutes hit piece.
    Katie told a story a few years ago, about parents at her children’s school warned their children not to play with hers, and she sounded quite proud.

  18. Sassy says:

    The British Royal family’s own PR is currently protecting and guiding guiding pedophile Andy with the help of the Brit media. They aren’t any better.
    For the past year The courtiers have been trying to sabotage the Sussexes, so why would they depend on the same people who have been trying to tear them down to help promote their foundation they had to get outside help.

  19. Originaltessa says:

    I don’t know much about Meghan, and my gut tells me on some level she really did seek fame and A-list status and notoriety… But now I wonder if any of it is worth it? The BRF are seriously gross, the British media hates her and treats her like she’s American trailer trash, and now it seems the British people are turning on her and Harry. I would rather be living in LA with my dogs, food blogging and working on cable tv.

  20. Aurora says:

    Why is there always an assumption that Meghan is operating independently of Harry? They are a team so I’m certain they make decision together. I feel like the British media does this on purpose as a way of not acknowledging their marriage.

    Also Large PR firms have many different personnel and divisions. Using this particular firm doesn’t mean the Sussexes are using the same team as Weinstein.

  21. TheOriginalMia says:

    Sussex Royal hired the American PR firm to launch a US branch, but that story doesn’t sell as well as the uppity black Duchess trying to clean up her image and wanting to hobnob with American actors.

  22. sassbr says:

    Sunshine Sachs, despite their shady ties to Weinstein, is a) well known for “quiet” very sophisticated PR moves and b) one of the only Hollywood PR firms where 90% of their clients are corporations, non-profits, and political organizations (because they’re nor originally from LA, they were East Coast-based for the longest time.) If you WERE going to choose a PR firm to help with your image as a public figure AND your new non-profit, this would be the best one to go to.

    For everyone saying that she chose a PR firm that helped aid Harvey Weinstein, here are some other people you can disown for working with them, if you must: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leonardo DiCaprio, the American Red Cross, the New York City Ballet, eBay, Facebook, the Jonas Brothers.

    • BabaBlacksheep says:

      With the exception of LMM all of those people/entities have some pretty nasty recent PR issues.

    • Le4Frimaire says:

      The article does make the PR firm seem iffy, but that’s was the intent of it, so who knows. In fairness, that firm had nothing to do with Weinstein’s stalking women and trying to intimidate people. It was reported in the New Yorker he hired another firm of private investigators and ex Mossad agents to do that dirty work, as well as his own in house lawyers. Regardless, the Sussexes are the biggest Royals right now, the most dynamic and most scrutinized and the biggest target. I’ll wait and see. Seriously royal reporting would be cobwebs and mothballs without Duchess Meghan.

    • Jaded says:

      Sunshine Sachs severed ties with Weinstein once the abuse allegations went public. In no way did they “hire PI’s to stalk, intimidate and threaten Weinsteins’s victims”. So many comments have their tin foil hats on today it’s ridiculous.

  23. Piptopher says:

    Isn’t it less typing for people to just say: I hate black women in any proximity of power? I’m so annoyed at all the tip-toeing around that basic fact. It isn’t anything particular she has done, it is that she has done it while black. period.

    I know there are legitimate criticisms to make, as there are with most public figures, but that doesn’t explain this and they know it.

    • Jane'sWastedTalent says:

      Exactly.

    • kerwood says:

      They’re saying it alright. Unfortunately, this ignorant and hateful way is the ONLY way they know how to communicate.

    • Dee Kay says:

      They’re dog whistling so they know for sure their readers *will* understand the racial — and racist — implications. The whole tone of the tabs’ coverage of DoS is “How DARE she?!”

  24. Cat Ca says:

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex need to have a good image in America to make their foundation successful.
    Their end goal is to likely end up with a foundation like the Clinton’s – an entity worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
    This will be their legacy to Archie and any other children they may have. They know Archie will never be able to live off the monarchy, so they are setting up an income source for him.
    They are trying to set him up for life.
    This may be the end goal for themselves too. They can’t possibly sustain the life of luxury Harry (and now Meghan) are used to based only on his inheritance and the money she saved during her career. So, they are going to put up with everything being thrown at them right now until they build the foundation up – then you will see them leave the monarchy to live as “private citizens”.
    They are setting up their future – that’s why it’s so important to them to be a global brand and why they hired American PR.

    • Lisa says:

      I completely agree with this assessment and the moves that they are making right now.

    • shelley says:

      I thought the foundation was established to fund their various causes & charities.

      • Lee says:

        Serious question: Can working royals profit from their foundation? I know that Clinton Foundation has added to the significant wealth that the family has acquired since leaving the White House but it was established after they became private citizens. Would Harry and Meghan have to leave the Royal Family in order to profit from their foundation? Are you all saying that’s their ultimate goal?

    • Lurkmode says:

      Harry & Meghan know William will eject them from the Royal Family the minute Charles drops dead, so they are setting themselves and Archie up for the future.

      • Jaded says:

        William can’t “eject” anyone from royal family. It takes a majority vote in the House of Commons and an act of Parliament. What would be needed is a majority in the Parliament, which would presumably be the consequence of a widespread desire for this among the electorate . There is not the slightest sign of this.

  25. aquarius64 says:

    I think the British press is upset that the Sussexes with BP blessing hired a firm that will play hardball. That firm can fry the Markles and them included if push comes to shove.

  26. Oliviajoy1995 says:

    I don’t know how Meghan handles the endless criticism and pure hatred she has to put up with every fricking day. I’m still bothered how disgusted everyone in the UK was when she was pregnant and touched her stomach too much. I didn’t used to think all the negative press could effect their marriage. Now I think all of this endless scrutiny might eventually break her. I truly hope not, and I hope Harry always supports her and stands by her side, but damn, one person can only take so much.

  27. kerwood says:

    Wow. I really hope the Duchess REALLY loves her husband because I wouldn’t be able to put up with this if I didn’t love my man.

    I’ve always believed that racism is a mental illness. It causes people to act in the most unbelievable ways, often violent. Grown people will kill little children because they feel ‘threatened’ by them.

    An accused pedophile is heartbeats (several, but still) from the British throne. He is being protected by not only the royal family but by the British media. Great Britain is lurching to the abyss of Brexit, led by a better educated Trump. And what is obsessing these people? Whether or not the Duchess of Sussex hired a pr firm? What sick, simple people. Yes, I know it’s not ALL British people, but it’s enough that the British media and Buckingham Palace think that this bullshit will work.

    The Downton Abby film is coming out soon and the people who believe that it’s a realistic depiction of British life will flock to it. The pitiful thing is that it was NEVER like that. Those large British houses were drafty and uncomfortable. The British upper classes were dull people with bad teeth. The ‘glory that was Britain’ was ALWAYS a con job.

    I hope the Duchess of Sussex continues to go her own way. Either the people who are so obsessed by her that they’ll examine photos of her like it’s the Zapruder tape to see if she’s had a nose job will move on to fresh prey or the poison in their souls turns back on them. She can’t lose because she’s already won. She has and IS what they would KILL to be.

  28. kerwood says:

    I think racism is a mental illness. Dealing with it can drive you crazy though. But the reason that the racists have to go to such extreme levels is because they CAN’T keep us down. We’re the descendants of the survivors of the middle passage. They can’t hurt us.

    The Duchess of Sussex is just like all the Black women who have come before her.

    AND STILL WE RISE!

    • Sduff says:

      Yes, no one has had a single legitimate complaint about Meghan. It’s all racism.

      • Val says:

        Because your complaints matter! Lol, Meghan came into the RF and added some MUCH needed “flavor” to that band of inbred and entitled bunch of welfare recipients. As far as I’m concerned, the RF should be bowing down to her any chance they get. But I don’t expect them or some of y’all to agree because many of these white folks seem to think that people of color should be grateful to them! As if you don’t owe YOUR very existence to US! Foh!

      • stepup says:

        why does this snarky comment get through, but others which are more considered, that try to explain institutionalized bigotry don’t? Honest question.

      • Olenna says:

        @SDUFF, what is your “legitimate complaint? Why not throw it out there with all the bravado you did with your original statement? You know why: it’s just the same old hypocritical, half-baked, misinformed, petty or bigoted stuff we’ve seen here before.

    • Anance says:

      The BRF, other than Charles, never really welcomed Meghan. They tolerated her probably hoping that the wedding would never happen. I think the Queen acted like a cunt over the tiara and her allowing the that deadbeat bitch Prince Michael to wear that racist brooch at an event Meghan was attended shows her true colors. I wrote earlier that Charles welcomed her but perhaps that is wrong. He planned that wedding that caused everyone to ridicule Meghan thinking she invited that priest and that choir.

      • Ms. X Writer says:

        @Anance, the Queen didn’t allow Princess Michael to wear that disgusting brooch – TQ may have the final say re: what tiara someone wears from her own collection, but she does not have any power re: what (horrifying) jewelry members of the BRF wear from their own private collections.
        TQ supposedly nixed Meghan’s request for her emerald tiara on her wedding day because it may have come from Russia, which is a no-go on such an occasion.

  29. Dee Kay says:

    Weeks ago, one of the mods asked whether the BRF scandals would turn us off of watching The Crown season 3. At the time, I thought no, I’m still here for that show. But now…I’m starting to think yeah, The Crown can f–k off, I don’t want to invest any of my time or energy into some dynasty of mediocre halfwits who don’t deserve a fraction of their power, money, or celebrity, who are currently protecting a pedophile (or at the BEST, a pedophile supporter), and who are letting racists villify and smear a biracial Black woman who has married into their family. I don’t want to watch The Crown and be encouraged to feel sympathy and other positive feelings for these people.

  30. MsIam says:

    H&M (because despite all the “Meghan hired!” bs, it is the two of them) wanted professionals who know their stuff. They are not playing around being “keen” about things. They want to get sh-t done so they are hiring the best advisers. So keep being pressed RRs, you (and your troll followers) are not stopping the show. Go H&M, go!

  31. zotsioltar says:

    Its nothing new. The Brit gossip rags/gossips hate it when the non-royals who marry in dont get in line.

    e.g.: Diana

    • Le4Frimaire says:

      Can’t wait to see the SmartWorks collection and will definitely buy something from it if it’s not sold out. Was seriously stalking her US Open outfit but everything sold out or out of reach. It’s still early days for Team Sussex and think they are really blocking out the noise to be goal focused. She’s only been there just over a year but the impact of her presence in such a short time is really unprecedented.

  32. Shannon says:

    Cool, whatever, they can salt their asses out. I’m sitting here waiting to see her Smart Works capsule. I will never understand the whole “royal” thing and kind of wish they’d all go rouge. I mean, I never understood it before, and this Prince Andrew stuff and the queen’s grinning bitch face in the car with him, I’m so done with it.

  33. Mrs.Krabapple says:

    Even IF this was true at all, they seem to be criticizing her for wanting publicity — as if publicity is a BAD thing for charities? Isn’t royal “work” and patronage ALL about publicity? So what, she is “too good” at her new job? Because I remember the criticism she got for partnering with Oprah on mental health. But the best way to raise awareness on an issue IS to partner with Oprah. These hateful (and hate filled) courtiers really need to go. If something is tarnishing the image of the royal family, it’s not Meghan, it’s the blatent racism.

  34. aquarius64 says:

    A little justice for Meghan. After the 60 Minutes Australia hit piece aired people railed the real royal scandal was ANDREW.

  35. Cluces says:

    I believe racism is at the root of these endless attack’s. Of course a non melanated being will cry foul. So many people resort cognitive dissonance. The guilt is to overwhelming. I was happy that these couple got together. But jealousy has a way of rearing it’s ugly head. I have no tolerance for the monarchy, Brit press a the racism is out of control! America is a British Corp. I hope the UK true history will be exposed. There’s noting royal about a people that killed, stole the indigenous people culture, history and identity. These parasites are nothing more then a bunch of low life’s. William and his war against racism is a damn joke. The wannabe fake queen embraces her sicko son pedo Andy; who by the way had the colossal nerve to wish Meghan a HBD.

    England is done and I for one can’t wait to see that bridge go down. A people who are the goddamn Roman Empire and took everything from the Moors. They know chaos and hate. I hope the Sussex leave that cesspool and NEVER look back. They killed Diana and now they want Meghan. I say “KISS WHERE THE SUN DON’T SHINE”!

  36. Le4Frimaire says:

    This really is a weird story. I think it’s really hard for Meghan to find her footing with such hostility inside and outside the palace, but I don’t understand why this is being done with this particular firm. Maybe use them for the one travel initiative and get someone else. Also I don’t think they are there for her “image rehabilitation” at all. I get the criticism that maybe she should focus closer to home on more workaday stuff, and get to know her adopted country more. On the other hand, she puts a lot of her focus and real work into her patronages, which are all in UK., or Commonwealth focused. It’s a steep learning curve. It’s important for Britain to have a positive image abroad and more goodwill, soft power and all, especially now with Brexit and Johnson’s incompetence for all to see. Also, if Trump loses next year, it’s a really bad look to keep dragging the most prominent American in the U.K., no matter what the courtiers want. Just hope she doesn’t burn herself out trying to prove herself through hard work because the upper classes and establishment there don’t value hard work.

  37. L Robb says:

    I like your comparison to the Prince’s Trust model. And the implication that the Sussexes may be taking advice from the future King himself! HA HA HA. If true, how fun would that be. I support all the good works the Sussexes are doing now and will do in the future for the UK, Commonwealth, and global causes. Someday the UK press and detractors may realize that there is more than one approach to modern royal life and humanitarian work. Keep doing what you’re doing H&M. And Hi Archie!

  38. bored penis says:

    This is exactly what happened with Diana. Worse, because it’s so racist and harmful to society at large. Diana’s every move was judged and she was pecked and hounded. She used the press, but wasn’t as adept as Meghan, who has years of being both in the business and a woman of color to help her deal. She was treated like she wasn’t a person. Then Diana dies and everyone feels so guilty, she’s the people’s princess, we love you! A little too late. I hope Meghan’s story doesn’t end that way.

  39. Tr says:

    Most people dont like Meghan because they think she has the short-cut to life. Well, attractive n charming people always have the short cut to life. Get used to it.
    If Meghan were white, she’d still be attacked, to a lesser degree. The fact that she is a color woman does make it worse for some people.

  40. blunt talker says:

    Whatever Meghan and Harry is doing in regards to their charity work-is for the benefit of Archie and other children they may have. I think someone in the above comments stated it best. Archie’s future is their main concern come hell or high water. The media abuse they taking is so Archie and other children won’t have to. Their children will have a choice about their own futures guided by their parents. Harry and Meghan believe in getting the job done even the dinosaur media can’t seem to understand progressive ways of doing things especially in Britain. They are working for the future of their children and their charities-Go team Sussex with God’s speed.

  41. Clay says:

    the pr firm started with a huge misstep in that disastrous and badly timed charity launch in Amsterdam, right after being grilled for the private jets. which speaks for itself: these Hollywood PR firms have one main goal in MONEY, the fact that they are linked to such horrible clients is upsetting, considering Meghan’s supposed goal of empowering women. She should have been more picky. And yes. the Sussexes are getting paid for those endorsements and their involvement. Is about time we stop being so naive about the reasons behind rich people get into charities more often than not without spending a dime of their own money, only “generously” offering JUST their image and “platform”. Which is ok, no big deal, that’s how that world works, Just be honest about it.
    She’s basically declaring war to the palace, so she has to know what to expect from it. Those courtiers are nasty, remember Diana’s hell. But Meghan doesn’t really seem to care about her image in the UK and if the UK public loves her or not. She has her own agenda and has nothing to do with royal duty.

    • L4frimaire says:

      @Clay What is she, some fifth column, or CIA asset? What exactly is her agenda? Being head cheerleader? She has lots of Royal duties that she shows up for and puts the work in. The Palace are the ones who are sending her and Harry on their 3rd tour barely a year into their marriage and putting them in charge of Commonwealth duties both in the U.K. and abroad. Pretty ambitious assignments for a newbie who has the nefarious goal of what exactly? Can’t be undermining the government and monarchy since your prime minister is doing that all by his underprepared and over privileged self.

  42. Ms. X Writer says:

    I’m so sorry, this was a duplicate comment! Please delete. 🙁